2003年-世界发展银行全球_Philippines___Country_Water_Resources_Assistance_Strategy_2003_82页_4mb

Summary of the Philippines Country Water Resources Assistance Strategy (2003)

Core Content

The Philippines Country Water Resources Assistance Strategy (CWRAS), developed by the World Bank in 2003, outlines a strategic framework to improve water resources management (WRM) and utilization in the country. It aligns with the World Bank's 1993 Water Resources Management Policy and emphasizes a pragmatic, institutional approach to WRM, especially in the context of a decentralized governance system. The strategy is designed to complement the Government of the Philippines (GoP) policies and strategies, particularly those related to poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Main Viewpoints

• Decentralization and Experimentation: The strategy acknowledges that the decentralized nature of the Philippine government allows for localized experimentation and innovation in WRM, provided there is political and community support for change.
• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): IWRM is promoted as a comprehensive and coordinated approach to managing water resources, involving all sectors and emphasizing sustainable use, development, and environmental protection.
• Institutional Reform: The GoP has recognized the need for institutional reform, particularly in the water sector, to address the fragmented and underperforming systems that hinder effective WRM.
• Role of the World Bank: The Bank is positioned as a facilitator and partner in WRM reform, focusing on advocacy, implementation support, and the introduction of best practices. It aims to provide sustained assistance rather than short-term projects.
• Political Economy of Water Management: The strategy highlights the importance of understanding the political economy of water, including the distribution of benefits and costs, incentives for sustainable use, and the role of water pricing in resource allocation.

Key Information

Institutional Landscape

• Water Resources Management: The Philippines is divided into 17 major river basins, with significant concentration of water resources in Luzon.
• Key Institutions:
  • NWRB (National Water Resources Board): Administers the 1976 Water Code, but faces challenges in enforcement and coordination.
  • NIA (National Irrigation Administration): Manages irrigation systems, with a focus on IMT (Irrigation Management Transfer).
  • LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration): Finances and oversees Water Districts (WDs), which are autonomous.
  • MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System): Manages water supply in Metro Manila.
  • DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources): Overseeing environmental issues and watershed management.
  • LGUs (Local Government Units): Empowered by the 1991 Local Government Code to manage water services at the local level.
  • BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources): Responsible for inland fisheries.
  • DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways): Handles flood control.
  • NPC (National Power Corporation): Involved in hydropower development.

Strategic Themes

• Comprehensive and Integrated Approach: WRM must be integrated across sectors and should not be handled in isolation.
• Strengthening Institutions: Existing institutions need reform and streamlining, and the Bank should support this process.
• Decentralization and Local Participation: Emphasis on devolving responsibilities to local levels and encouraging community-driven development (CDD).
• Coordination and Policy Alignment: The Bank’s assistance should align with the GoP’s Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP).
• Environmental and Social Considerations: The strategy underscores the importance of environmental protection and social equity in WRM.

Bank's Role

• Consultative Process: The Bank conducted a 2-day consultation workshop in 2000 and a field mission in November 2002 to gather input and assess the project pipeline.
• Virtual Water Team: The Bank has established a "virtual water team" through the EAP Region's Regional Water Resources Adviser (RWRA) and sector management units (SMUs).
• Capacity Building: The Bank supports capacity building efforts that need to be institutionalized and extended beyond typical lending periods.
• Private Sector and Public-Private Partnerships: The GoP aims to transfer infrastructure services to the private sector, and the Bank supports this transition.

Challenges

• Fragmented Institutions: The Philippines has a large and fragmented set of institutions responsible for different aspects of WRM.
• Weak Enforcement: The 1976 Water Code is poorly enforced, and NWRB has limited resources and regional presence.
• Pollution and Infrastructure Clogging: Surface water pollution and poor maintenance of drainage systems exacerbate water scarcity and management issues.
• Need for Coordination: There is a critical need for better coordination between WRM and water supply management, especially in the context of three major user sectors: irrigation, urban municipal and industrial (M&I), and the environment.

Future Directions

• IWRM Implementation: The strategy promotes the development of an independent authority with sufficient powers and resources to formulate national policies on WRM.
• Supporting GoP Reforms: The Bank aims to support the GoP in downsizing public agencies and redefining their roles in favor of policy, regulation, and strategic management.
• Investment in Decentralized Systems: The Bank should invest in decentralized water systems and support the reforms required for their effective operation.

Conclusion

The CWRAS is a strategic document aimed at improving water resources management in the Philippines through a combination of institutional reform, capacity building, and coordinated development efforts. It emphasizes the importance of IWRM, the role of the private sector, and the need for a more effective and sustainable approach to water management, aligned with the GoP’s broader development goals.